JAMES BEARD EATS WEEK RESERVATIONS NOW OPEN

CHICAGO - Choose Chicago, in partnership with CS Magazine and the Illinois Restaurant Association, today announced a week-long culinary celebration inspired by James Beard, the man known as the "Dean of American cookery," that leads up to the 2016 James Beard Foundation Awards and Gala on May 2. James Beard Eats Week will begin April 22 and run through May 2, 2016, during which guests at more than 120 Chicago restaurants can enjoy a James Beard-inspired menu or dish. To kick-off the celebration, CS Magazine will present an inaugural exclusive Sneak Peak Soirée on Wednesday, April 20 at VenueOne.

"Chicago is a bold and innovative culinary capital, which makes it a natural setting for the James Beard Foundation Awards and Gala," said Desiree Rogers, Choose Chicago Chair. "James Beard Eats Week recognizes the tremendous talent in Chicago's local food community and gives food lovers, both locals and visitors, the opportunity to savor the creativity among Chicago's chefs."

Exclusive restaurant menus and dishes inspired by James Beard's American Classic recipes will be featured throughout James Beard Eats Week (April 22 - May 2). Some menu samples include:

"We're thrilled to partner with Choose Chicago and the Illinois Restaurant Association for this year's James Beard Eats Week," said Randy Hano, Group Publisher of CS magazine. "Following the ultimate kick-off event-the Sneak Peak Soirée-foodies can continue the celebration of Chicago's dynamic food offerings in anticipation of the nation's most prestigious food industry awards."

"It is an honor to have the James Beard Foundation Awards and Gala in Chicago for the second year running," said Sam Toia, President and CEO of the Illinois Restaurant Association. "Eats Week is a tremendous way to honor the legendary James Beard while giving diners throughout Chicagoland a unique opportunity to take part in the celebration."

Each participating James Beard Eats Week restaurant will make a $100 donation to the James Beard Foundation Scholarship Fund, which will directly support aspiring Chicago culinary students on a path to success in the hospitality industry.

Choose Chicago is also hosting an enter-to-win sweepstakes that will provide one lucky winner a trip for two to Chicago, which includes a three-night stay at the Chicago Athletic Association hotel during James Beard Eats Week, dinner for two at Sepia Chicago, a 2016 James Beard Foundation Awards finalist, and tickets to CS Magazine's Sneak Peak Soirée.

For more information and to view a list of James Beard Eats Week restaurants and menus, visit ChooseChicago.com/JBF. Follow @ChooseChicago on Twitter and Instagram, LIKE us on Facebook, and get social using #JBEatsWeek.